David Chisholm wrote the script, which finds a rookie cop named Emmett Conlin harbouring hopes and dreams of becoming one of the best in the LAPD. But then he's lured into the toughest crime unit in the city, and discovers that the biggest dangers lurk not out on the streets but within his own colleagues.

For the man in charge of the team is a veteran officer mired deep in corruption and betrayal. He targets Emmett with an elaborate psychological campaign designed to break him down. The film is being described as in the tradition of LA Confidential and The Departed, but if you ask us, it also owes a debt to Training Day.

Franklin’s last big screen directorial effort was Out Of Time back in 2003, though he’s also worked on World War II drama Bless Me, Ultima. And he’s been keeping busy directing TV shows, including the pilots for Falling Skies and mob drama Magic city. There’s no word on when City Of Night will start shooting.